If you apply for financial aid, your school will likely include student loans as part of your financial aid package. It’s important to understand what types of loans you are offered. Generally, there are two types of student loans:
- Federal student loans: These loans are funded by the federal government.
- Private student loans: These loans are nonfederal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or a school.
If you need to borrow money to pay for college or career school, start with federal student loans.
Federal student loans are:
- Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans;
- Direct PLUS Loans (for graduate and professional students or parents); and
- Federal Perkins Loans.
What are the differences between federal and private student loans?
Federal student loans include many benefits not typically provided for private loans, such as fixed interest rates and income-based repayment plans. In contrast, private loans are generally more expensive than federal student loans.
The chart below provides a summary of the differences.
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Federal Student Loans |
Private Student Loans |
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You will not have to start repaying your federal student loans until you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time. |
Many private student loans require payments while you are still in school.
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The interest rate is fixed and is often lower than private loans—and much lower than some credit card interest rates. View the current interest rates on federal student loans. |
Private student loans can have variable interest rates, some greater than 18%. A variable rate may substantially increase the total amount you repay. |
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Undergraduate students with financial need will likely qualify for a subsidized loan where the government pays the interest while you are in school on at least a half-time basis. |
Private student loans are not subsidized. No one pays the interest on your loan but you.
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You don’t need to get a credit check for most federal student loans (except for PLUS loans). Federal student loans can help you establish a good credit record. |
Private student loans may require an established credit record. The cost of a private student loan will depend on your credit score and other factors. |
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You won’t need a cosigner to get a federal student loan in most cases. |
You may need a cosigner.
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Interest may be tax deductible. |
Interest may not be tax deductible. |
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Loans can be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Learn about your consolidation options.
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Private student loans cannot be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan. |
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If you are having trouble repaying your loan, you may be able to temporarily postpone or lower your payments. |
Private student loans may not offer forbearance or deferment options. |
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There are several repayment plans, including an option to tie your monthly payment to your income. |
You should check with your lender to find out about your repayment options. |
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There is no prepayment penalty fee. |
You need to make sure there are no prepayment penalty fees. |
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You may be eligible to have some portion of your loans forgiven if you work in public service. Learn about our loan forgiveness programs. |
It is unlikely that your lender will offer a loan forgiveness program. |
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Free help is available at 1-800-4-FED-AID and on our websites. |
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's private student loan ombudsman may be able to assist you if you have concerns about your private student loan. |
How do I get a federal student loan?
To get a federal student loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM). Learn more about applying for aid.
